SS Future Re-Open Plan: Timing, Testing Needs??!!

[TLCOhio]

19 hours ago, sanne said:

I believe Australia is open and will stay open now. Even WA is at last opening its borders. Overseas tourists have to be double vaxxed or go into mandatory quarantine.   There is still a cruise ban for overseas ships until sometime in April, when it will be reviewed.  Local small ship operators have been sailing successfully for a long time in local waters. Kimberley cruises have been fully booked, all with Aussies. And all the high end resorts and hotels. Hard to get a booking anywhere this year. And prices have increased a lot with the demand. 

 

Appreciate ALL of these great comments and follow-ups by sanne, Dr. Ron, Lois, rkacruiser and Catlover54.  Things are opening back up and we will be watching to see how it works, evolves, any "bumps-on-the-road" that are hit, etc. 

 

From the New York Times this morning, they had this headline: “Australia Reopens to Tourists for First Time in 2 Years" with this sub-headline: "The country’s pandemic rules, among the world’s strictest, had kept most visitors out and stranded some citizens abroad.”

 

Here are some of their reporting highlights: “Travelers arriving at the international airport in Sydney on Monday were greeted by lifeguards, drag queens, and a D.J. blasting local hits, as Australia reopened its borders to international visitors after nearly two years of shutting itself off from the rest of the world to try to keep the coronavirus at bay.  The country closed its international borders in March 2020 as part of its pandemic response, stranding citizens overseas and separating loved ones. Although the government gradually eased the harsh restrictions late last year, tourists had remained banned and some residents continued to be cut off from friends and family.   Over 50 international flights were scheduled to land in Australia on Monday from countries including the United States, Britain, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates.  'It’s been a party out here at Sydney airport; everyone is celebrating,' Dan Tehan, the minister for tourism, said at a news conference at the airport on Monday morning. 'It’s been quite extraordinary to see the way that people have been reunited — the hugs, the tears.'  Australia’s reopening comes as other countries in Asia also loosen restrictions even as the Omicron wave continues to roil the region.”

 

Here is more from their summary: "Potential travelers and tourism operators alike are cautiously optimistic about the reopening of 'Fortress Australia,' but many wonder if the isolated nation’s Covid restrictions — such as vaccine and testing requirements, as well as mask mandates — will make the return of international travel more of a trickle than a splash."  Great question as to "trickle" versus "splash".  Right?

 

Full story at:

https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/02/21/world/covid-19-tests-cases-vaccine

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.).  Now at 69,473 views:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

[QueSeraSera]

654 days till we cruise New Zealand to Australia 🙃 Thinking I may have been a bit overly cautious booking this one

[Stumblefoot]

1 hour ago, QueSeraSera said:

654 days till we cruise New Zealand to Australia 🙃 Thinking I may have been a bit overly cautious booking this one

Looks like you got us beat.

[drron29]

We are going to cruise back to Australia in 624 days😃

Cruise from Singapore to Cairns - SM231108014 | Silversea

[turtlemichael]

I'm beginning to feel like a gambler. 303 days. We are booked on the following world cruise from Sydney so I guess if one doesn't happen the other won't either.   Cruise from Benoa, Bali to Sydney - SS221221018 | Silversea

[Stumblefoot]

1 hour ago, drron29 said:

We are going to cruise back to Australia in 624 days.

I’m still sad we’re not in Myanmar with you and Rojann right now.

[TLCOhio]

On 2/21/2022 at 8:27 PM, Stumblefoot said:

Looks like you got us beat.

On 2/21/2022 at 7:09 PM, QueSeraSera said:

654 days till we cruise New Zealand to Australia 🙃 Thinking I may have been a bit overly cautious booking this one

 

Good luck to those planning and hoping for future Australia, Asian, New Zealand, etc. cruises.  Appreciate these excellent comments and follow-ups.  

 

From the Washington Post this morning, they had this headline: “As mask mandates end in all but one state, retailers and cruises follow suit” with these highlights: “As coronavirus cases continue to decline across the country, all states but one — Hawaii — have dropped their mask mandates or have made plans to do so in the coming weeks.  In recent days, some cruise lines — including Norwegian and Royal Caribbean International — said they are relaxing mask requirements for vaccinated passengers after putting stricter rules in place during the omicron surge.  Vaccinated people should still wear masks when indoors in an area of 'substantial or high transmission,' according to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance. Those categories still cover more than 95 percent of the country.  But with new daily cases falling, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said last week that her agency is reviewing its   recommendations. 'We want to give people a break from things like mask-wearing, when these metrics are better, and then have the ability to reach for them again should things worsen,' she said.”

 

Things are clearly becoming more "loose", but there is debate as to whether they are moving too quickly and/or what happens when the next variant hits.  Progress?  But, what does all of this mean for those planning cruises in the next few months or a year from now??

 

Full story at:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/02/23/covid-omicron-variant-live-updates/

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio 

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 52,371 views. Featuring Cape Town, South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta.
www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

[TLCOhio]

From the Miami Herald in the heart of cruise country last night, they had this headline: “Cruise lines are dropping their mask mandates. Here’s what you need to know” with these highlights: “Three of Miami’s largest cruise operators, are dropping their indoor mask requirements. As soon as Friday, most fully vaccinated cruise passengers on Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean will not be required to wear masks indoors on ships. COVID-19 case numbers have dropped across the country and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently lowered its travel warning status for cruising, prompting cruise lines to drop the indoor mask mandate.  The CDC also recently changed its voluntary sailing order, a set of pandemic safety guidelines for cruise ships operating in U.S. waters, which now says that passengers don’t have to wear masks on ships when at least 95% of crew members and passengers over age 5 are vaccinated. Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian officials each announced intentions to lift the mask requirements on their respective cruises. Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley said, in a Facebook post on Friday, the change will go into effect starting with sailings from the United States Feb. 25. ''he updated protocols will include face masks being optional for all fully vaccinated guests and expected for unvaccinated children,' Bayley said.”

 

Here is more from their story: "The CDC still warns that cruising is 'not a zero-risk activity,' and that, “'the virus that causes COVID-19 spreads easily between people in close quarters on board ships and the chance of getting COVID-19 on cruise ships is high, even if you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines.'  Although cruise operators are now officially relaxing mask requirements, many passengers on recent cruises have said face-covering rules onboard were seldom enforced. “'I never would have gone, if I had known they wouldn’t enforce mask wearing,' said Becky Brunette, who tested positive for COVID-19 while sailing on the NCL Joy ship in January."

 

Full story at:

https://www.miamiherald.com/article258656778.html

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Kotor/Montenegro:  Exciting visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 48,930 views.
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

[taxatty]

1 hour ago, TLCOhio said:

From the Miami Herald in the heart of cruise country last night, they had this headline: “Cruise lines are dropping their mask mandates. Here’s what you need to know” with these highlights: “Three of Miami’s largest cruise operators, are dropping their indoor mask requirements. As soon as Friday, most fully vaccinated cruise passengers on Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean will not be required to wear masks indoors on ships. COVID-19 case numbers have dropped across the country and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently lowered its travel warning status for cruising, prompting cruise lines to drop the indoor mask mandate.  The CDC also recently changed its voluntary sailing order, a set of pandemic safety guidelines for cruise ships operating in U.S. waters, which now says that passengers don’t have to wear masks on ships when at least 95% of crew members and passengers over age 5 are vaccinated. Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian officials each announced intentions to lift the mask requirements on their respective cruises. Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley said, in a Facebook post on Friday, the change will go into effect starting with sailings from the United States Feb. 25. ''he updated protocols will include face masks being optional for all fully vaccinated guests and expected for unvaccinated children,' Bayley said.”

 

Here is more from their story: "The CDC still warns that cruising is 'not a zero-risk activity,' and that, “'the virus that causes COVID-19 spreads easily between people in close quarters on board ships and the chance of getting COVID-19 on cruise ships is high, even if you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines.'  Although cruise operators are now officially relaxing mask requirements, many passengers on recent cruises have said face-covering rules onboard were seldom enforced. “'I never would have gone, if I had known they wouldn’t enforce mask wearing,' said Becky Brunette, who tested positive for COVID-19 while sailing on the NCL Joy ship in January."

 

Full story at:

https://www.miamiherald.com/article258656778.html

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Kotor/Montenegro:  Exciting visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 48,930 views.
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

Based upon very cheap 3-to-7-day cruise offers I've received recently for mass-market line Caribbean cruises, they are probably having trouble filling up. My guess is that the relaxation of mask standards will attract a far greater number of people to book cruises than those who won't cruise without masks out of COVID fears.

Edited February 23, 2022 by taxatty

[TLCOhio]

On 2/23/2022 at 12:42 PM, taxatty said:

Based upon very cheap 3-to-7-day cruise offers I've received recently for mass-market line Caribbean cruises, they are probably having trouble filling up. My guess is that the relaxation of mask standards will attract a far greater number of people to book cruises than those who won't cruise without masks out of COVID fears.

 

Appreciate these above very good insights, comments and follow-up from our friend in Miami.  Yes, there are many important factors affecting the cruise lines and customers as we all seek to find the best way back to some form of "normal".   

 

From the Wall Street Journal's sister publication of Barron's this morning, they had this headline: “Go Ahead, Seniors, Book Your Vacation. But Expect the Unexpected Thanks to Covid” with these highlights: “After two years of disrupted travel plans amid the coronavirus pandemic, the fading of the Omicron variant has many older Americans eager to return to the roads and skies in coming months.  There’s no guarantee, however, that another variant won’t upend plans or lead vulnerable people to rethink their travels. The good news is the travel industry is much more flexible with vacationers who need to change plans. Cruise lines, which have a reputation for being inflexible, have relaxed their change policies.  The bad news is that stuff still happens to mess up vacations. So for those hoping to travel over the next few months, it pays to learn details on cancellations, itinerary changes, and protecting your budget. Before booking any trips, plan for potential disruptions, says Jeanenne Tornatore, a travel expert at the Outside Insider. Travelers should read the cancellation policies for airlines, hotels and activities that require prebooking so they know their options. Don’t just rely on websites, especially for small businesses.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.barrons.com/articles/covid-vacation-planning-retirement-seniors-51645804812?tesla=y

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Dubrovnik!  Nice visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic and historic location. Over 48,477 views.    
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

[rkacruiser]

7 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

ravelers should read the cancellation policies for airlines, hotels and activities that require prebooking so they know their options. Don’t just rely on websites,

 

"The devil is in the details".  Maybe something that some have been recently discovering?  

[worldtraveller99]

Well, first we had 2 years of COVID stopping travel, and now we may have WW3. I am glad I am not young, and did at least have lots of good years behind me. It is too sad, but especially for young people.

[rkacruiser]

15 hours ago, worldtraveller99 said:

I am glad I am not young, and did at least have lots of good years behind me. It is too sad, but especially for young people

 

I understand what you are saying.  The sand in the top of the hour glass daily becomes less for me.  I accept that.  But, as a lover of history/politics, I would like to know what the next decade or two will bring as well as learning the view of the historians then as they view the mess that our generation has made.  

[taxatty]

New SS COVID update just received by email:

 

Dear , I am writing today to share with you some developments relating to our Healthy Return to Service protocols. Silversea is very proud to have led the industry with eight ships returning to sea in 2021; and since last summer, the entire industry has made great advances in the safe resumption of cruising. We are all very pleased to see this positive momentum continuing in 2022. As recently reported, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has relaxed its guidance on cruise ship travel. Following this positive development, and guided by our own data in collaboration with the Royal Caribbean Group Healthy Sail Panel, we would like you to know that for all sailings departing from March onwards, our protocols will evolve with the following amendments: First. Silversea will no longer require pre-embarkation testing at the pier, unless a specific port of call or country mandates it. However, beginning with March 2022 sailings, you will be required to present a negative PCR test result, administered by a verified third party within 2 days prior to boarding. Please note, for the immediate future, should a guest not be able to arrange a test within the 2 days of boarding, Silversea will offer the test at the terminal prior to embarkation as an exception for a limited time only. As a reminder, you must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to sailing. In addition, as of March 2022, the COVID-19 booster will be required for all eligible guests, provided the required time has passed after the completion of their primary COVID-19 vaccination series. Only guests fully vaccinated with vaccines approved by WHO will be permitted to board. A copy of the vaccination certificate must be uploaded to 'My Silversea.' Your vaccination certificate or printed copy must be shown during the check-in and embarkation process. As the global travel landscape continues to evolve, for all sailings starting from March 2022, we will require that each guest ensures their COVID-19 vaccination status is up to date for both their country of residence and the intended countries they plan to visit. Similar to testing, we have seen that destinations across the globe are now updating validity dates for vaccination series. Many countries have differing rules (both based on residency and as entry requirements), with most now indicating an “up to date” COVID-19 vaccine includes an additional dose anywhere from 90 to 270 days past the original series completion date. Quite simply, the vaccine will no longer be considered up to date unless an additional dose has been received after a certain time has elapsed from the completion of the primary series. So while the booster (or an additional dose) is not necessarily a requirement to sail with us, an up to date vaccination series is. By way of example for our guests residing in the US, please click here to understand the CDC’s definition of “up to date.” Please know that your health and safety, as well as that of our crew and the communities we visit, remain a priority for us at Silversea. Rest assured that we will continue to work closely with relevant governing bodies and health authorities to navigate this evolving landscape, as new health recommendations are issued and as the situation advances. Until then, click here to understand which vaccines are currently accepted, and for up to date information. I also invite you to contact your Silversea representative for assistance with any questions you may have. Second. The wearing of masks during the cruise will now be at each guest’s discretion, with the exception of the casino, the theatre, and during muster drills where masks remain mandatory. While we recognize that the wearing of a mask is a personal choice, we do strongly encourage our guests to wear a mask whilst indoors aboard ship, other than when actively eating or drinking, or when in the privacy of their suite.   The staff and crew aboard all our ships will continue to wear masks for the foreseeable future. Third. Physical distancing among guests will no longer be required; although our Crew will maintain this practice. Finally, with the uncertainty surrounding current travel regulations, this information may evolve; as well, it may change based on the requirements of a particular cruising region. Please know too, that local regulations may require more stringent protocols (e.g. masks may be mandatory), in which case Silversea will comply with all local requirements and guidelines. For your ease of reference, please find below links to all Silversea’s Healthy Return to Service protocols, as well as guidance on accepted vaccines: All destinations (except Antarctica & Galapagos) Antarctica Galapagos Which vaccines are accepted? As we have all learned over the course of the last two years, there are some healthy habits and processes that will be maintained simply because they make good sense. We will continue with our pre-cruise health screening and timed embarkation, and frequent handwashing is always encouraged. Guests will continue to receive portable sanitization kits, and hand-sanitizing stations remain in prominent, easily accessible points throughout the ships. On behalf of the entire Silversea family, it will be our great pleasure to welcome you aboard one of our beautiful all-suite ships for an enriching and memorable voyage to the farthest reaches of the world. Thank you for your loyalty, and we hope to see you soon. Best personal regards,

Roberto Martinoli, President & CEO

Edited March 1, 2022 by taxatty

[Lois R]

I just got the same email.  That PCR will not work for many of us.....what if you are traveling? And they said they will offer it for a "limited time"? What is it?  

[A Tucson Guy]

10 minutes ago, Lois R said:

I just got the same email.  That PCR will not work for many of us.....what if you are traveling? And they said they will offer it for a "limited time"? What is it?  

I think most of us will arrive at least a day early which means we will leave home one day earlier. Impossible to have a test within two days for most of us. We may still need a test three days prior to flying from the US. It is going to be quite confusing for now. I hope by July (our next cruise) things are a little more relaxed.

[Lois R]

2 minutes ago, A Tucson Guy said:

I think most of us will arrive at least a day early which means we will leave home one day earlier. Impossible to have a test within two days for most of us. We may still need a test three days prior to flying from the US. It is going to be quite confusing for now. I hope by July (our next cruise) things are a little more relaxed.

Hi, I agree with your reply.  But at the end of that paragraph it says they will do the test if we cannot.....

so how long is this limited time going to be? 

 

"should a guest not be able to arrange a test within the 2 days of boarding, Silversea will offer the test at the terminal prior to embarkation as an exception for a limited time only."

[FauxNom]

The timing of the PCR test is really problematic if you are flying to distant embarkation points. I'd rather see them continue with rapid tests immediately before boarding; that would make me feel more confident that there aren't a bunch of contagious passengers whose infection developed in the interval since their PCR test.

[wdjpvaz]

This is a ridiculous backward step for Silversea.  many countries are dropping PCR tests for fully vaccinated travelers.  So if my wife and I are triple vaccinated we still have to submit to an invasive PCR test before boarding. Ridiculous. We need to move forward people!

[worldtraveller99]

I also trust that the PCR test will be dropped before we travel in July. We will be away from home for the few days just before the cruise and it will be irritating to have to take time to find a test centre. Seeing as Dubai have just dropped their PCR test, I can't see Silversea carrying on with this.

[Yosemitephil]

Silversea - I also received the email this afternoon. After being pleased that from March 1st Italy dropped their PCR requirement, bingo SS ask now for one. If you are going on a pre-cruise jaunt or leaving to travel a day or two earlier you are faced with either finding a local approved PCR tester or hoping that SS will do this at the port prior to boarding as they were doing so. Is this all the cruise lines that are adopting this policy or just some of the cruise lines? I hope that they drop this requirement before April/May

[silkismom]

It's a good thing that our Mar Japan trip was canceled, it takes 2 days, or more to get there--would they do it on the plane? FAs are complaining about just serving drinks, what would they do if they had to do a covid test too???

[EdinburghTim]

SS need to reconsider this requirement. Most people will be travelling to their embarkation port the day before or even earlier which leaves a very narrow, or in many cases, a non-existent window to take the test before they leave home to meet the 48 hour approved window. The alternative is to find a clinic at your destination. Who wants to spend their precious vacation time navigating the streets of a city you don't know to find a suitably accredited test centre when you probably only have a few hours to see 'the sights' in the first place?

 

Come on SS, this is a massive backward step. Either continue to test at the port or drop the requirement altogether. This new policy is not helpful and will only irritate your customer base

[Cruiser6270]

Can see most just using the Silversea PCR Test at port, as getting a rapid PCR test on arrival won't be easy. What I don't see is where Silversea say this will be free of charge ?

 

Also, what happens if you meet your own country's requirement for fully vaxed and "up to date" but not one of the ports the ship visits ? Will you not be allowed on the ship or just not allowed to disembark at that one port ?

 

[audobon_tx]

I asked my TA to cancel and see what he can do to get refunds..  There is no way that anyone who knows anything about cruise logistics and customer service could have come up with this lame brain policy.  The droids at RCG which destroyed Azamara and are working on Celebrity have apparently decided to go after SS now.  I am.a Crystal refugee and wanted to try SS but no longer.